Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a heinous crime that can leave a child with long-lasting psychological trauma that requires special care. If you're a survivor of sexual abuse or your child has been abused, an attorney can help you secure compensation to get care and ensure the abuse doesn't happen to anyone else.
Cochran Douglas in Tacoma, WA, has represented many survivors like you in cases against school districts and the state of Washington.
Justice for Sexual Abuse Victims
Our sexual abuse lawyers have tried many cases on behalf of victims of all ages. Cochran Douglas is focused on achieving justice for these victims. We are also dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable in order to prevent future acts of abuse.
Tacoma, WA, Trusts Cochran Douglas for Quality Representation
Survivors of sexual abuse come to our Tacoma personal injury office for a range of reasons, including:
We Offer Affordable Services
We offer free consultations, require no retainer fees, and work on contingency so Tacoma sexual abuse victims can receive quality representation and have access to an abundance of resources, no matter their income. You have nothing to lose by meeting with one of our attorneys. We charge nothing unless we win your case and, even then, our pay will simply be a percentage of what you've won.
We Stand Up to Large Organizations
If you or your child were a victim of sexual abuse, it can feel intimidating to hold large organizations like schools, churches, or government entities accountable. Loren Cochran and Cole Douglas aren't afraid to be the voice for the little people and hold these institutions responsible for their neglect and oversight.
Our Compassionate Demeanor
Cochran Douglas has secured many settlements for survivors of sexual abuse. We understand how sensitive these cases can be for children and adults alike, and we will always work to make you feel comfortable. We've seen survivors of abuse recover, and are here to help you through your journey.
We're Tenacious in the Courtroom
We don't shy away from the courtroom. If going to trial is what it takes to get you the best possible result, you can expect that we will be prepared. Additionally, we won't charge you extra fees if your case goes to trial.
Were You the Victim of Abuse?
Reach Out to Our Tacoma, WA, Law Firm Today
Following an act of sexual abuse, a victim may have the right to compensation. If a person or institution owed you or your child a duty of care to keep you safe but failed in that duty, you may be able to file a sexual abuse claim against the party that failed to prevent you or your child's suffering.
For example, if a school failed to conduct a background check on an abusive individual, it did not take the appropriate steps to protect the children in its care. The parents of the victim(s) can file a claim against the school.
Our Tacoma law office is prepared to use our vast resources to hold abusive teachers, coaches, church members, scout leaders, and other adults accountable and get you or your child compensation you'll need to get psychological care to overcome the abuse. To get started, fill out our online form or call our Tacoma, WA, office:
Sexual Abuse Is a Serious
National Concern
Every nine minutes, child protective services substantiates or finds evidence for a claim of child sexual abuse. Thirty-four percent of victims are under the age of 12. Sixty-six percent of victims are 12-17. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
Sexual Abuse vs. Sexual Assault vs. Sexual Harassment
The term "sexual abuse" is often used interchangeably with the term "sexual assault" and confused with the term "sexual harassment." There are some important differences between the terms:
Sexual Abuse
"Sexual abuse" is the term used to describe sex crimes committed against a child under the age of 18. It's typically used to refer to crimes that happen over a period of time, like a pattern of abuse. A child under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to sexual acts. Even if they do consent, it is still sexual abuse.
Sexual Assault
"Sexual assault" is often used to describe sex crimes committed against adults. Typically a one-time act, sexual assault can be a single incident of inappropriate or nonconsensual sexual touching.
Sexual Harassment
While sexual assault typically involves physical acts, sexual harassment is any unwanted gesture or action that is sexual in nature, like comments, gestures, and other misconduct. Sexual harassment can escalate to sexual assault or abuse.
Child Sex Abuse Crimes
A child sex abuse crime is any kind of sexual contact between a minor and an adult or older child. Child sex abuse crimes can include:
- Kissing
- Fondling
- Molestation
- Sexual touching
- Rape
- Sodomy
- Exposing oneself to a minor
- Taking sexually explicit images or videos of children
- Sending sexually explicit images or videos to children
Signs of Child Sex Abuse
A child who is being abused sexually may exhibit signs that include:
- Behavioral changes: These changes can include anxiety, fear, depression, outbursts, mood swings, declining school performance, and changes in their personality.
- Reluctance to be with an individual: If a child shows sudden reluctance to spend time with a friend or relative alone, parents should investigate further.
- Withdrawal: The child may no longer have an interest in participating in their usual activities. They may feel a sense of shame around the abuse which can cause them to avoid their friends and loved ones.
- Regressing behaviors: The child may start wetting the bed or performing self-soothing acts, like thumb-sucking or hair-pulling.
- Reluctance to remove clothing: The child may view their clothing as a protective layer and refuse to remove or change it, even to bathe or swim.
- Unexplained injuries: Injuries to the genital area and sexually transmitted diseases are a red flag and warrant immediate treatment and investigation.
- Inappropriate sexual behaviors: An unexpected knowledge of sexual topics or engaging in sexual behaviors with other children can indicate abuse.
"I had the pleasure of working with Cochran Douglas Attorneys at Law, and I can confidently say that they exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I reached out for legal assistance, their team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and a support. I felt heard, guided, and well taken care of while working with their awesome team... I highly recommend Cochran Douglas Attorneys at Law to anyone seeking legal representation. Their expertise, communication, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes make them a standout choice in the legal field." Alexander Orlov
